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11/26/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/27/2024 03:10

14 Ways to Have Fun in Boston This Thanksgiving Weekend

14 Ways to Have Fun in Boston This Thanksgiving Weekend

Photo via Unsplash/James Frewin

Things-to-do

14 Ways to Have Fun in Boston This Thanksgiving Weekend

After your turkey feast, hit up some holiday markets, catch a showing of Wicked, or get comfy on the couch and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 26, 2024
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As nearly 80 million people prepare to travel home, or to relatives' or friends' homes, for this Thanksgiving holiday, staying in Boston is looking more appealing than ever. Luckily, in a city as vibrant as the Hub, there are plenty of activities to keep you more than occupied-even during the colder months.

Starting with events beginning before Thanksgiving Day and continuing through the end of the weekend, BU Today has you covered with a series of events to celebrate Turkey Day and prepare you for the upcoming winter holidays.

What to Watch

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Grab a warm cup of coffee and cozy up with a blanket on Thanksgiving morning to watch the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade is jam-packed with 22 floats-like Tom Turkey, the parade's longest running float-17 giant character balloons, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, and 11 marching bands. Keep an eye out for the new (and returning) balloons this year, including Minnie Mouse, Spider-Man, and Marshall from PAW Patrol. The parade also has a slew of stars performing, including Dan + Shay, Idina Menzel (we heard she has a cameo in a pretty popular movie currently in theaters), and Alex Warren.

Thursday, November 28, 8:30 am to noon, airing on NBC, Peacock, and Fubo. NBC will also present the parade on a second audio program channel to make the experience more inclusive for visually impaired viewers.

The 2024 National Dog Show

Join cohosts John O'Hurley and David Frei for the National Dog Show, airing directly after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, 1,940 dogs representing 205 different breeds will be competing in the show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. The dogs will be split into seven groups based on their breed to compete for the Best in Show award. At home, spectators can vote for their top dog for the second year in Thanksgiving's Top Dog Contest.

Thursday, November 28, noon to 2 pm, airing on NBC and Peacock. The show can also be viewed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

Wicked

After taking Broadway by storm for 21 years, the famous musical Wicked is taking on the big screen in theaters this holiday season. A prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Wicked explores the journey of, and relationship between, Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the Wicked Witch of the West, who struggles with her confidence and identity as a result of her atypical green hue. With the support of Glinda and a few others, Elphaba sets her mind on meeting the Wizard of Oz with the hope of leveraging her powers and using them for good rather than evil.

Find local showtimes here.

Where to Shop

The Holiday Market at Snowport

Shop for gifts or for yourself at the market, which features 120-plus local makers, like MaraK Shoes, Boston Soap Co., Petrova Chocolates, and Avigail Adam Jewelry. This year, the market has a new musical addition, the Stage by Mohegan Sun, where local musicians have the opportunity to perform atop the market's Jingle Bar every Monday during Snowport hours. Be sure to snag some holiday pictures underneath the mistletoe arch or near the Presents Place by Lexus, a backdrop of vibrant, oversized gifts. When you're done perusing, cozy up under the heated food and beverage tent. Betty's Bar, Dumpling Daughter, and Tuscan Kitchen are some of the many food options for shoppers.

Runs through Sunday, December 29, Seaport, South Boston Waterfront.

Holiday Market at High Street Place

Support small businesses and enjoy delicious food and drinks from High Street Place vendors at this holiday market. Shop for art, jewelry, knitwear, and more from New England-based women-owned businesses, which include Citizens Crochet, Ohello Boston, and Rainbows Pottery. The market also features live music and holiday-themed photo ops.

Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30, from 11 am to 5 pm, 100 High St., Boston.

SoWa Winter Festival

Spend your Black Friday supporting more than 100 of the region's small businesses, which will be selling food, arts, crafts, and more. There's also dueling pianos, maker workshops, and food trucks.

Runs from Friday, November 29, through Sunday, December 22, 530 Harrison Ave., Boston. Admission is $10.

2024 Holiday Shopping Market

The Boston Public Market, an indoor year-round marketplace, starts its Sip and Shop Holiday Market the day after Thanksgiving. Sip on a delicious drink from one of the market's many vendors and peruse the jewelry, candles, unique dishware, flowers and plants, and more for sale. Pop-up vendors include Farthest Field Farm, selling hot sauces, salsas, and more, and Inkasisa Farm, selling knitwear and yarn products.

Begins Friday, November 29, and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 12, 100 Hanover St., Boston.

What to Do

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The crowds will be out shopping, so take the opportunity to soak in the culture and art at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which will be open the day after Thanksgiving. Three exhibitions-including Manet: A Model Family and photojournalist Mary Ellen Mark's A Seattle Family, 1983-2014-are currently on display. On Saturday, November 30, the museum will host an open studio where participants can take part in an abstract portrait weaving activity.

Open daily (except Thanksgiving Day), 25 Evans Way, Boston. Find more information, and buy tickets, here.

The Thanksgiving Play by Moonbox Productions

Looking for some unique entertainment in the form of four politically correct performers reenvisioning the history of Thanksgiving without fighting? May we recommend The Thanksgiving Play, a comedy that aims to look at Thanksgiving from a new angle and delivers history, humor, and "uniquely American hypocrisy." The play is written by 2020 MacArthur Fellow Larissa FastHorse and directed by Tara Moses (a member of the Seminole Nation).

Runs through December 15, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. Buy tickets and see showtimes here.

Mini Float Making

Anticipating the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade so much that you want a float of your own? Head on over to the Fenway Community Center to create your own mini parade float. Try replicating one of the floats from years before, like the Pillsbury Doughboy or Ronald McDonald, or come up with a creation of your own. The 2023 parade will be aired for inspiration, too.

Wednesday, November 27, from 1 to 3 pm, Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St., #123, Boston.

Friendsgiving Get-Together

Trident Booksellers & Café welcomes everyone to their first-ever Friendsgiving. Head to Newbury Street to play board games and watch the Thanksgiving episodes of Friends (the best ones, hands down) with other Bostonians looking to get into the Thanksgiving spirit. The café's normal food menu will be offered, in addition to some special Thanksgiving dishes, if you want to get a head start on your Turkey Day.

Wednesday, November 27, 6 to 9 pm, 338 Newbury St., Boston.

Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Keep the sports energy from Thanksgiving football flowing by watching the Boston Bruins face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams are led by former Terriers: the Bruins' Joe Sacco (who left BU before graduating to skate professionally) and Pittsburgh's Mike Sullivan (Questrom'90).

Friday, November 29, 6:30 pm, TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. Buy tickets here.

Martin's Park: Ship Lighting

Martin's Park, which is named in memory of eight-year-old Boston Marathon bombings victim Martin Richard, is hosting its fourth annual ship-lighting along the harbor. Come and watch as an actual ship will be adorned with over 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. Prior to the lighting, attendees can walk along the Harborwalk, grab a free hot chocolate, eggnog, or coffee. Attendees can also take home a personalized Martin's Park ornament and meet Santa and the Grinch. Park rangers will also be at the lighting with their horses, and there will be a fire truck open for exploring.

Saturday, November 30, 4 to 6 pm, 64 Sleeper St., Boston.

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